Police State Condo Analysis

Jonathan Monaghan’s Police State Condo is "a series of sculptural print works. Security cameras, TSA checkpoints, and ATM machines blend with designer fabrics and penthouse views to create ominous vignettes reminiscent of advertisements for posh apartments.” The pieces themselves are polished to perfection with symmetry and unity to an overarching theme of royalty, cleanliness, and utopia. Yet, under the upper class style apartment is a deeper message pertaining to the security and private information dilemma we face today in society and instead represents a dystopia. The muted color tones overall keep the pieces from being overpowering so adding in a highlight of rose gold, gold, or obsidian truly gives a full spectrum of dynamic coloring to each of the pieces.

Monaghan’s dystopia screams of conformity and violation of privacy masked by the comfort and wealth promised by the companies that violate them. It could also represent the one percent that reap profit from these privacy violations whether they’re directly connected to the businesses, politicians, or are hired individuals. This breach in our private information should be of concern to every citizen which makes these pieces perfect for the modern issues people face this day in age. The 3D modeling is on point with realistic textures and objects such as the TSA checkpoints and cameras yet, the distorted shapes and ominous apartments don’t necessarily make practical sense. The checkpoints, cameras, and ATM machines are there as props and decoration more than their practical use we see in